Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

/ Prologue /

⊹•º·⊹

Ancient China, the Year 1092

In the distant country of Luoyang, a prince lay fast asleep in his bed chambers, dreaming. The moon was high, and the country was silent. So in contrast to what the prince was dreaming.

A tall high tree of cherry blossom, under it, a country in the turmoil of war, a thunder strikes and sets the tree on fire. The fire provides two things at once, destruction to the tree, and a refuge for the heaving soldier. The fire roars so high, that it touches the heavens. Any who dared to come within three inches of the tree was burned to ash. All but the refuge.

It seemed that even the soldier was puzzled. However, he continued to fight whoever came near. But, it didn’t change the fact that he was fighting near a fire. The heat becomes unbearable and soon enough, he starts to burn too. 

The wind picks up speed, the flames fly everywhere, and a single cherry of the tree falls on top of the soldier’s armor. He picks it up, and the cherry is shaped in a strange way that resembles an egg. Out of it, hatches a myth. A creature that was believed to have only existed in legends.

A dragon.

The soldier stands there stunned. The dragon inhales all the flames burning the tree and exhales at the approaching foes. A blessing for the soldier. The man rejoices as the dragon burns any who tries to harm the soldier. 

He is so elated that he misses the incoming danger behind his back. Soon enough, the sword runs him through and he drops to his knees. The dragon is outraged, and he burns the perpetrator, however, the soldier is already dying.

Saddened and angered, the dragon takes to burning everyone down on its warpath. The dragon though just hatched, was menacing and dangerous. As he watched the soldier try and fail to stand, he couldn’t help but pity the young lad.

Soon they heard the painful shrieks of commoners who were dying all around them. The prince was distraught to see so many innocents be condemned by the burning flame. It seemed too cruel. Inhumane.

He wanted to scream at the soldier. Protect them! He wanted to say. Save them! He wanted to yell. For it is your only duty you are sacrificing! He wanted to remind the warrior.

But he couldn’t.

His throat was clogged up, and though he could hear and see, he couldn’t move or talk. It was like he was paralyzed. So he watched as hundreds of people burned, marring the ground with their ashes and bones.

The heat was unbearable and the smoke was clogging up the lungs of the war general but he stood still. Froze in pain and horror. The prince wanted to scream and punish the lad but he was in no position to do so.

But then something happened. A thick black fog descended the battleground covering the littering fallen soldiers and corpses of the innocents with layers of soot. In just an incense time, a corpse rose from the ground. The prince gaped, horrified.

Demonic sorcery.

One by one, the corpses rose as they died. Some with their limbs intact, others with scattered and littered body parts. The prince could do nothing but watch as the corpses, all with pitch-black eyes, advanced toward the remaining humans.

A few soldiers swung their weapons at the demons but it didn’t stop them. It only served to anger them more. The corpses attacked the living as one and the prince knew they stood no chance against such sorcery. 

A few feet further from where his sworn brothers were being ripped apart, the injured soldier tried to back away when a lone corpse cornered him. The prince was gripped with fear as the corpse reached for the soldier.

They all held a collective breath when a roar resounded throughout the battlefield. The dragon batted its large wings as it flew forward at an astounding speed. The prince watched with fascination and obvious relief when the dragon shrieked and opened its huge maw.

Bright orange colored the inside of its neck as hot burning lava bubbled to the surface. One breath and a stream of wildfire exploded forward, burning everything in its vicinity to ash. He barely had time to process anything before the dragon burned all of the corpses walking the ground.

When the dragon returned to the soldier, the young lad was on his knees, weak and dying. The prince watched with utmost pity as the dragon nuzzled the soldier who held back a wince at the pain the action resulted.

“I’m okay,” the prince heard the warrior murmur as the lad raised his hand to pet the large mound. “I am okay, for I do not fear death, my friend. What I am afraid of, is what will happen to you after I am gone.”

It had been a little while since the soldier met the beast, yet it seemed that he had developed an attachment. The ferocious animal let out a crooning sound as it nudged the young man’s hand. As if to say, ‘I will wait for you to come back, of course.’

The general smiled.

“Alright then, my friend. We shall meet again soon.”

And as the prince saw the soldier close his eyes and finally rest in peace, he realized. He might have just witnessed the most bizarre and unusual friendship of a lifetime.

The last thing he saw of this vision? Was that of the dragon groaning and shrieking in pain. As if it could feel that its friend was leaving him. It was heartbreaking to hear. With a last breath drawn, the general fell to the war.

His surroundings turned pitch black along with the warrior. He was uncertain if this was still a part of the same dream, or if he was in another.

A quiet honeyed voice echoed in the void, “What you think, is not there, what you don’t think has been lurking right under your bed.” The prince whipped around looking for the source, “Who is there?”

“You are aware of my existence, but we shall not meet until a long time, my prince.” The prince turned around and came face to face with a humanoid. It looked like a human but was too tall and lanky. “What are you?”

He didn’t know how or why, but he was certain that there was a smile underneath that hood. “The end.”

A blinding white light emanated from the humanoid and the prince was forced to cover his eyes. “Listen close, Your Highness, years down the line, your blood is destined to ascend to godhood. However, if you continue the path you do, you shall doom your family forever.”

“A son, whose blood shall breathe fire, destined to godhood, and shall rise as the sun. He will bring enlightenment and great prosperity to his people. But beware, every sun that rises in the east, shall always be destined to set in the west. Heed my words, and you shall ascend, ignore it, and meet your end.”

The prince wakes up burning with wildfire in his blood.

⊹•º·⊹

©Liyana⋇

Chapter Text

Chapter - 1

⊹•º·⊹

The Country of Xuli, 1406

The menacing glare of the sun reflects off the blade as it swipes right past his ear with an inch to spare. He sidesteps the incoming foot aimed at his hips easily twists the armed hand in the middle of a strike and promptly disarms his opponent.

With a strong kick to the back of his knees, he has his opponent pinned to the ground with his sword right at its neck. Sweat trickles down his face as he is rewarded with thunderous applause for his excellent sparring match with General Wen.

“You have improved, lad. Soon enough, you’ll be more than capable of overthrowing Armies,” General Wen compliments as he accepts the extended hand and rises to his feet.

The boy gives a wry smile as he retracts his helping hand, “You flatter me, General. While I do not believe I am as capable, I certainly accept the good words you put in to appease my competitive nature.”

General Wen gives a boisterous laugh as he claps a hand on his shoulder in a show of support. “Do not fret, Young master, Xīcūn , despite what you believe you are a formidable opponent even for a general with 14 years of war experience.” The boy smiles at the man and makes way for him to walk away.

The General, grateful and sweaty, pats his shoulder and walks out of the field.

Loud applause can be heard from the entryway of the training field accompanied by an overly excited, “ lì huī - gege !”

Xīcūn Lì Huī , otherwise known as Riki, looks up, coming face to face with his sister, Princess Wang Jí , also known as Yeji. His brother, the crown prince, Huáng Xián Zhēn , or Hyunjin, was also accompanying her.

“I must admit, brother, you’ve gotten better.” Hyunjin remarks. Huáng Xián Zhēn birth name Hyun-jin was the first-born son of Emperor Huáng and Empress Xuān. The prince was benevolent and soft-hearted. He treasured his relations and sympathized a lot.

Though these were considered admirable qualities to have in a King-to-be, it was still a weakness of the prince that many exploited for their advantage. And if the prince was aware of such treachery, he never showed any signs of it.

Princess Wang Jí was the 1st born daughter of Concubine Wang. The emperor and Concubine were rumored to be childhood lovers, who were betrothed at the age of six and ten, and four and ten, respectively. However, the emperor was short on his army and had to seek an alliance with the Xuān Clan of Xuli.

The Xuān Clan leader, brother to the empress, had demanded an alliance through marriage with the promise that his sister be crowned empress, and her firstborn be crowned King when the time comes. The emperor relented and married the empress, who brought the dowry of armed forces, and war simulations to help the cause of the emperor.

It was said that Concubine Wang had raged with the emperor for almost half a year by avoiding him at every turn before she finally relented after meeting with Empress Xuān. The Queen was soft-spoken and kind-hearted and saw the good in everyone around her. She had not minded that the Emperor had a lover of his own, nor minded that they were betrothed.

The empress had encouraged Concubine Wang to forgive the emperor and convinced her to marry him. She even arranged their wedding ceremony and blessed their union.

A year and a half later, The empress had birthed Hyunjin and Concubine Wang birthed Yeji a few months after.

Xīcūn Lì Huī , birth name Riki, while not a son by blood, was adopted into the family by the emperor. His father General Xīcūn was a good friend of the emperor and had fought by his side for years before he perished in the war at Huo City.

The emperor had been inconsolable after the death of his good friend and had always carried the guilt of sending him to the already falling city. Riki had been a boy of seven when the emperor and empress sat him down with concubine Wang and explained to him what happened.

Ever since then, the title of General was passed to him through his father. Despite the fear that he might crumble under the weight on his shoulders as the last living member of his family, he didn’t. Instead, he wore it around his heart like armor and fought to live up to his father’s name.

Riki was thirteen when he fought his first war. He won back Huo City for the emperor and continued to fight for other cities. By the time Riki turned seventeen, he had fought, 28 battles as a soldier, 8 wars as a knight, and defended all of the 8 cities as a general.

In every battle he fought, he returned victoriously. Through his continued triumph, he had attracted the attention of countless soldiers and by the time he turned sixteen, he was a general of his very own army.

Their opponents had named them the reapers of the dark, The Black Knights . A fitting name for the soldiers, who donned black armor and befell endless nights for their enemies.

Now, at the age of twenty-one, Riki commands an army of 1500 black knights and 2500 soldiers to war. It was very impressive for a young general like him.

“Lì Huī-gege, you looked scary with that sword. And-and the way that you swung it down at General Wen’s neck, I was convinced he was going to be hurt!” Yeji exclaims.

Unlike Hyunjin and Riki, Yeji was sensitive and couldn’t stand the sight of blood. It scared her to death more than actual death did. Hyunjin had always found it odd about his sister, but never commented on it.

Riki had first thought it to be Yeji’s weakness, but he slowly realized that maybe it just scared her more than others did. Riki had fears of his own, but if he had treated them like weakness, he would have died countless times on the battlefield.

“You have to teach me, gege!” You can always trust Yeji to be the most unladylike yet docile young lady to ever exist. “Wang Jí mèimei, you are a lady. Especially a lady of imperial standing. It would incite talks among the court officials if you were to hold anything other than a sewing needle.”

Harsh as it was, that was how the world worked. Riki personally thought that women should know something more than just household work. The emperor supported the notion, but the officials frowned upon the very thought.

They don’t have to fight a war, but they need to know how to at least defend themselves in dire situations.

“Do not worry, Your Highness. I may not be able to teach you how to fight with a sword, but I can very well teach you how to stab. That would at least buy you enough time to run or take a life to save yourself.” Riki promises. 

Yeji gasps at the insinuation of the murder and immediately moves to reprimand her brother. “Gege, every life is important, you can’t take a life to save another’s. That is barbaric at most.” Riki merely looks at her while Hyunjin smiles, indulgent.

“Summons from His Majesty, The Emperor!”

The three of them immediately turn to the entrance of the training field where the emperor’s eunuch, Xiao Wei, was standing, waiting for them to approach so that he could relay his majesty’s message, with his hands cupped in a fist in greeting.

They walk side by side before bowing in courtesy to the eunuch as a substitute for the emperor. Hands cupped together in a single fist by the prince and the general with the difference of crossed thumbs at the top from Yeji.

They bow their heads and stand, letting the eunuch relay the summons. “Your Highness, The Crown Prince, General, His Majesty, the emperor has summoned the two of you to the Hall Of Affairs. The court is about to commence, Young Masters. He orders you to be on your way.”

“Thank you for relaying the message, sir. We’ll be on our way.” With the assurance from Hyunjin, the eunuch bows his farewell to the three of them before leaving. The three turn to look at each other before the brothers bow to greet their sister for leave.

“We’ll see you at the evening meal, sister.” Yeji bows back in acceptance and the two set for the Hall Of Affairs for no doubt another boring official meeting. Heaven’s above, Riki hated those discussions.

He could only hope that the old men were sensible enough to keep their greedy ideas to themselves.

⊹•º·⊹

Ni-Ki’s name: 西村力輝 [ Xīcūn Lì Huī ]

Yeji’s name: 野雞 [Yeji]  [ 網 級 = Wang Jí ]

Hyunjin’s name: 黃 賢 真 [Huáng Xián Zhēn]

©Liyana⋇

Chapter Text

Chapter - 2

⊹•º·⊹

Heavenly Realm, 1404

Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!

“What is this? Another ascension?”

“It seems like someone is ascending!”

“Let’s see who this lucky fellow is!”

“The bell won’t stop ringing!”

“My palace! My Palace has been toppled!”

“Whoever this person is, their cultivation base must be very strong.”

“I wonder who it is?”

“What if it’s the Prince of Luoyang? The same thing happened when he ascended!”

“Stop saying his name. Why would you bring up that fool at a time like this? Besides, you weren’t even here during his ascension!”

“How long will this ascension last?! It’s been 3 minutes!”

“The Bell! The bell has fallen!”

“Who the hell is this person?!”

The blinding light fades slowly, as the person comes into view. Grey eyes flicker open as they take in the surroundings. The people gathered at the ascension point stare in horror, and incredulity as they all yell the same.

“You again?!”

“Not again!”

“You must be jesting!”

“This has to be a joke!”

The man wearing faded robes rubs the back of his head as he smiles sheepishly at the disappointed crowd. Yáng Zhèng Yuán , birth name Jungwon, The Crown Prince of Luoyang, had just ascended for the third time, again.

“Hello everyone, I have returned… again.”

⊹•º·⊹

“Greetings Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I congratulate you on coming first on our list of ‘Heaven’s Officials who will be demoted and banished the quickest’ at your return.” The Prince turns around from where he had been looking at the fallen bell split in half.

He faces Quán Sù Yán, birth name Soyeon, The goddess of Literature, also worshipped as Ling Wen ZhenZhun, who stood with her arms crossed. The Prince flashes a nervous smile.

“No matter how you say it, it’s still first place. If you’re congratulating me then it must be a position worth being happy about?” Jungwon asks, uncertain.

Soyeon stated, “Yes if you’re first, you get one hundred merits.”

Jungwon responds immediately, “Next time, if there is another list like this, then by all means, please put me on it.”

Soyeon doesn’t even blink an eye and asks instead, “Do you know who is in second place?”

Jungwon crosses his arms with his forefinger stroking his chin. “It’s too hard to guess. After all, with strength alone, I should be the one occupying the top three places.”

Soyeon turns to walk, “You are more or less right. There is no second place. After all, the moment you started, others could only see your dust with no hopes of ever catching up.” Jungwon follows behind, his hands crossed at his back as he keeps pace with Soyeon.

“I don’t dare accept the honor, Sù Yán. Who was the first-place winner for the previous years?” Jungwon asks.

Soyeon looks at him over her shoulder as she answers in a polite voice, “There was no one. This list was created this year. More specifically, today.”

Jungwon turns to look at Soyeon with an awkward expression on his face. “Based on what you say, this list wasn’t set up specifically, just for me, is it?” Soyeon smiles slightly, “You can think of it as merely lucky winning as you happened to arrive coincidentally in time for it.”

“Then that’s great! Thinking of it that way will make me feel more at ease.” Jungwon skips happily. Soyeon shakes her head and turns to face forward as they walk to the Palace of Ling Wen.

“Do you know why you snagged the first place?” Soyeon asks.

“Because everyone expects it?” Jungwon guesses. His head tilts to the side as he watches Soyeon’s facial expression. “Let me tell you the reason. When you ascended, the bell on the clock tower, started ringing like it had gone crazy, unable to stop.”

“The clock was even older than you. It was cheerful and had a vivacious character. Every single time an official ascended, it would ring at least once to cheer them on. However, during your ascension, it only stopped ringing when it fell over.”

“Unfortunately, the bell happened to fall upon a passing god. Fortunately, General Yin is a martial god and simply split the bell in half with his saber.”

Jungwon winces in embarrassment as dread starts to fill his veins. “This… are they okay now?” Soyeon shakes her head. “No, they are still being repaired.” Jungwon looks at her, I’m asking about the general who was injured.”

“General Yin is a Martial God.” Soyeon reminded. “Your Highness, please look to your right, now. Do you see the golden palace?” Jungwon turns to where she pointed and sees a palace standing upon a cloud, with roofs covered in gold glass.

“Ah, yes. I see it.”

“If you see something, then that means something is wrong. Originally there was nothing there before.” Jungwon slumps as he sighs. “When you ascended, you toppled over several golden palaces of many officials. New ones had to be built as replacements as many couldn’t be repaired on time. Hence, the officials improvised and built temporary ones instead.”

“I am the one to blame then?” Jungwon asks with a small smile. He wouldn’t be surprised if the answer was yes. Soyeon ever polite, replies with a, “You’re responsible for it.”

Jungwon resigns to his fate and asks, “I have offended so many officials with just my ascension alone. Is there any way to make amends?” Soyeon looks at him and for whatever she sees, she replies, “There is a way. Eight million, eight hundred and eighty thousand merits.”

Jungwon chuckles as he says frankly, “I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused. But even if you asked me ten-thousandths of it, I wouldn’t have been able to pay.” Soyeon stops in front of the door leading to the palace as she turns around to look at him. 

The conviction of believers in the secular world could be converted into Heavenly Officials’ spiritual power. Every incense sticks they burned as offerings were called ‘merits’.

Jungwon’s smile disappears as he asks Soyeon with all the seriousness he can muster. “Will you be willing to punt me down from here with a  kick and grant me eight million eight hundred and eighty thousand merits?”

Soyeon merely blinks at him. “I am a literature god. If you ought to earn merits by kicks, then you should ask a martial god. The harder you get kicked the more merits you get.” Jungwon sighs as he rubs his temple. “Then please let me reconsider my course of action for a while.”

If this was 1219, eight million eight hundred and eighty thousand merits would have been nothing. Jungwon would have paid double the price without blinking an eye and he still would have the same amount of offerings left with him.

Soyeon allows a small smile to grace her face as she claps a hand on his shoulder. “Fret not, Your Highness. Fortunately for you, you have a period of 4 years to make up for it. Until then, find a way to gain merits for yourself.”

Jungwon let out a deep sigh as he hunched over himself, “Sù Yán, you and I both know that even if I happen to worship myself, I wouldn’t be able to procure eight million merits in 4 years.”

Soyeon gives him a tight smile. “Do not worry, Your Highness. You never know what happens until you do it yourself. However, it is indeed a good idea that you present.” Soyeon steps back and speaks. “Why don’t you find a place in the mortal realm, descend, and open a shrine for yourself? You can help the people in the area and worship yourself. If some miracle happens, you might even gain yourself a few believers.”

Jungwon thinks it over and indeed, it is a good idea. “Then, can you give me a map for me to find such a place?” Soyeon nods, “Of course, Your Highness.”

Jungwon beams. “Great! I shall come to collect it before sunset!” He turns to leave but stops abruptly. “Ah! One more thing, Sù Yán. Do you happen to know where General Yin is being treated? I wish to visit him and offer my apologies.”

Soyeon looks at him with a complicated expression. “General Yin is a God who can heal others. He is most likely recovering in his palace. But I must warn you, my prince. General Yin is a man of foul temper. He might not take your apology with kindness.”

“Oh, that is no problem. It’s not like I am not used to it.” Jungwon waves her concern off before turning and walking off in the direction of the Palace of Zuan Zhen. Soyeon watches him go before shaking her head and sighing.

“It seems that His Royal Highness does not remember General Yin Zhèng Hàn and General  Wán Shèng Zhé.” For some reason, Soyeon feels uneasy.  She walks the same path Jungwon did earlier and stops him.

“Forgive me, Your Highness. I believe it won’t do you any good to be visiting another martial God’s palace uninvited. Might I suggest another way for you to apologize?” Soyeon requests politely.

As not only the goddess of Literature but as the official who overlooks all of heaven’s affairs, Soyeon has never held an opinion of other officials. She wasn’t close to the lot of them and only maintained a professional relationship with them. The few gods she was close to in upper heaven could be counted on one hand.

Even then, she has always had a soft spot in her heart for the laughingstock of the three realms. She pitied the once dignified prince who has now fallen lower than any servants or beggars.

He wasn’t even acknowledged as a god. Not even in the heavenly realm!

The only reason the officials acknowledge his presence is for a laugh or ridicule, or because of the Heavenly Emperor, who has always favored the crown prince since his first ascension to godhood.

“Then, please tell me. For I do not want to offend the General more than I already have.” Jungwon says. He already has a debt of Eight million to be paid. He cannot afford more.

“Of course, Your Highness. Do you remember the password to the general communication array?” Soyeon asks. Jungwon nods in agreement. “Then let us join and apologize through it. If it doesn’t bother you, then I may even be able to wrangle some support for you to establish your shrine.”

⊹•º·⊹

The array was always bustling and loud. The only silent array was the one used by the heavenly officials of the upper court heaven. All the officials talked in one place without being physically present with the help of their spiritual energy.

The array was managed by Soyeon who not only established the connection of the array between the officials but also managed the password and made sure no unauthorized people could eavesdrop on their conversations. Every official had an array other than the general communication array with a password of their choosing.

The password to Jungwon’s spiritual array was to recite the holy sutras a hundred times.

“Everyone, His Majesty, the emperor requires a few junior officials to aid him in the North. Can any of the gods spare the juniors from their court?” Soyeon asks. “His Majesty is not in North. Is this request posed for His Highness, perhaps?” A cold voice resounds through the array. “You seem to have recovered quickly General Yin.” Soyeon snaps back.

The deities in Heaven were all big-shot Heavenly Officials who oversaw their region, and each one of them was a household name among a great number of people. Because they were all Heavenly Officials who had seriously cultivated to ascend, they were dignified and were usually quite reserved. More often than not, their speech and behavior had an air of arrogance.

Jungwon closes his eyes and sighs. So much for a request.

“Your Highness, the bell.” Soyeon quietly informs him. Jungwon understands that this must have been General Yin, who got injured from the fallen bell. “I apologize for the inconvenience I have caused you, General. I hope you recover well. I will make sure to repay you accordingly.” Jungwon bows. The general scoffs instead. “This time, your ascension has caused quite the commotion, Your Highness.”

Within Heaven, it could even be said that monarchs were walking around everywhere, while heroes were as common as water flowing in rivers.

If one wishes to become an immortal god, one must first become an outstanding individual. In the mortal realm, people who achieved and accomplished many goals or people who had a lot of talent, of course, had a larger opportunity to ascend. As a result, it wasn’t exaggerated to say that princesses, princes, and generals weren’t a rare sight to see here. Who wasn’t a proud child of the Heavens? 

However, everyone was still extremely polite and courteous to each other, calling one another ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Your Highness’ or ‘General Lord. They would say whatever sounded more complimentary. But for the prior words spoken by the Heavenly Official, that title he used no longer sounded like a polite gesture.

Although Jungwon had been a Crown Prince, and the others had greeted him thus—his tone didn’t have even a bit of respect. It rather sounded as if he was trying to use a needle to stab someone. 

There were many other Heavenly Officials who had been genuine Crown Princes within the spirit communication array, and those few greetings simply made goosebumps appear on their backs as they felt uncomfortable from head to toe. 

Jungwon had also heard the ill intentions in the other’s voice, but he did not want to make a scene. Thinking to himself that he would escape, he replied with a smile, “It was okay. I’ve heard about the bell. I deeply apologize for what happened.”

The general merely snorted and no one knew what to make of it.

There were many martial gods within Heaven and among those, quite a few were new upstarts who had ascended after Jungwon left. This was why he was unable to pinpoint which god this was just by listening to his voice. He knew it was General Yin, but he had never heard of or seen this man before. However, one couldn’t apologize without even knowing the other’s name. Thus, Jungwon went to the heart of the matter and asked, “Excuse me, may I ask how I should address you, distinguished one?”

The moment he said those words, the other party became silent.

It wasn’t only the other god who became silent. The entire spirit communication array seemed to freeze as if a puff of stagnant air slapped everyone in the face. Feeling awkward, Soyeon quietly informs him, “Your Highness, while I may have believed that you didn’t recognize him before talking to him, you certainly should have recognized him after talking to him for so long. That is General Yin Zhèng Hàn.”

Jungwon asks in a confused voice, “Zhèng Hàn?”

Then realization settles in. “That is Jeonghan?!” Jungwon choked out, surprised. Zhèng Hàn Zhen Jun, Martial God of the South West Region. He had seven thousand temples, and in the mortal realm, his reputation was illustrious.

This Zhèng Hàn Zhen Jun, who had the personal name Jeonghan, used to be a deputy general in the Palace Halls of Luoyang country’s Crown Prince nearly three hundred years ago.

Soyeon replied, shocked, “You didn’t recognize him?”

Jungwon replies, still startled, “I didn’t. Back then, he never talked to me in such a manner. In addition, I don’t even remember the time I last saw him. If it wasn’t 100 hundred years ago, then it has probably been three centuries. I don’t even remember what he looked like. How could I recognize him based on voice alone?”

The array remained completely silent. No one, not even Jeonghan made a peep of noise. The other Heavenly Officials, on one hand, pretended that they weren’t listening, while on the other hand, they crazily waited for someone to continue talking.

When it came to these two, it was relatively awkward. After so many years, many rumors had been passed on, so everyone already understood almost everything. In those days when Jungwon had been the precious Crown Prince, he cultivated in Huang Ji Temple.

The Huang Ji Temple was the Luoyang country’s, Imperial Taoist Temple. Their selection standards for disciples were extremely strict. Jeonghan came from a poor background, and his father was a sinner who had been beheaded. A person like that simply did not have the qualifications to enter the Huang Ji Temple as a disciple.

As a result, he had no other choice but to become someone who did odd jobs. In the temple, he was mostly in charge of caring for His Highness the Crown Prince, or delivering tea and water to him. He acted as his handmaiden. But Jungwon saw he was assiduous, and thus he asked the Taoist Ministers to make an exception and receive him as a disciple.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s words carried great weight. Only then was Jeonghan able to enter the temple to cultivate because of the Crown Prince's will. After Jungwon ascended, he appointed him as his general and took Jeonghan along with him to the Immortal City.

It was said that even though Jeonghan was someone who acted like the Crown Prince's handmaiden, Jungwon saw him as someone he cared for a lot. Jeonghan took care of his every need, and as a prince who had grown up without a motherly figure, Jeonghan became that for him.

The two were knit tightly together.

However, when Jungwon was demoted and banished to the mortal realm, Jeonghan did not follow him. He instead found a blessed place and started to painstakingly cultivate like crazy. Later, he withstood the heavenly tribulations and ascended himself.

Three hundred years ago, one was in heaven and the other was on the ground. Three hundred years later, one is still in heaven and on the ground. The irony of the situation, however, was that the once master was now lower than a beggar, and the once servant was higher than a master.

The awkward silence was broken by a loud voice that shook the entire array. “Who the fuck dismantled my Golden Palace?! Come out!” The roaring voice made all the officials inside the array feel like their scalps were about to explode.

Though the official's stomachs were already flipping, everyone still held their breaths as they listened with rapt attention. They didn’t make a single peep as they waited to see how Jungwon would respond to the loud cursing martial god.

But nobody expected that instead of something exciting—they would hear something even more thrilling. Jungwon hadn’t even gathered his voice to start talking before Jeonghan spoke first.

Jeonghan laughed twice. “Haha.”

The person who came coldly said, “You were the one who tore it down? Alright, just wait for it.”

Jeonghan faintly replied, “I did not say it was me. Don’t randomly spray blood at people.”

The other person asked, “Then why are you laughing? Are you mentally ill?”

Jeonghan answered, “It isn’t like that. What you’ve just said was funny, that’s all. The person who destroyed your golden palace is currently in the spirit communication array, you can go and ask him yourself.”

With things evolving to this degree, Jungwon felt too embarrassed to say anything else. He coughed dryly before saying, “It was me. I’m sorry.”

The moment he spoke, the person who came later also became silent. Soyeon clears her throat slightly before once again, whispering to him quietly. “Your Highness, this is General Wán Shèng Zhé.”

Jungwon replied lightly, “This time, I recognize him. However, it seems that he doesn’t recognize me instead.” It hurt to say that, but what was he supposed to do when the situation seemed like it?

Soyeon immediately squashes the budding doubt. “That is not the case, Your Highness. General Wán tends to spend more time in the Mortal Realm than in Heaven. He only comes here for extremely important matters. Hence, he merely didn’t know you had ascended again.”

Shèng Zhé Zhen Jun, personal name Seungcheol, the Martial God overlooking the Southeast region, was popular and had eight thousand temples. He tends to receive a lot of love and respect from his believers.

Three hundred years ago, he was the first appointed general of the Luoyang Crown Prince’s Palace Hall. During Jungwon’s youth, Seungcheol was his Imperial bodyguard. Seungcheol had grown up with the Crown Prince, entered the Heavens with him, was demoted with him, and was banished with him. Unfortunately, he was unable to endure all of the three hundred years with Jungwon. Ultimately, they separated on bad terms and parted ways, never to see each other again.

Though no one ever knew clearly what had gone down between the trio, none dared to go and ask. All anyone had ever heard was the rumors. Some said, that Seungcheol left Jungwon because he could no longer bear being the wandering anybody with him, while some ridiculous ones said that Seungcheol left because he could no longer bear to see Jungwon ignore his love.

Jeonghan’s versions were no clearer than Seungcheol’s. Some say, Jungwon kicked him out because he couldn’t look past his poor background, while others say that Jeonghan never really cared for Jungwon as others thought him too, and had betrayed him and left himself.

However, if anyone were to ever ask Jungwon, he would have said, “They both had their paths to walk on, and their destiny to fulfill. They made their choices, and I accepted them accordingly.”

Therefore, when there was no response from Seungcheol’s side for a long time because he had unexpectedly stopped talking and instead immediately hid, Jungwon collected his tail and beat himself down a bit as he said, “I also didn’t anticipate making a commotion like this. It wasn’t deliberate, I’ve inconvenienced everyone.”

Jeonghan responded in a cool manner, “Oh, then that was indeed quite coincidental.”

Coincidental? Jungwon also thought it was too coincidental. He ascends after three centuries and the two officials who were harmed during the earthquake were his two former retainers. For anyone else, it looked like he was deliberately taking revenge. However, Jungwon was the type of person who if you gave him a hundred flowers with one poisonous one, and told him to pick one, would end up choosing the poisonous one.

In short, he was unlucky.

"I am extremely sorry for the inconvenience I have caused. It wasn't deliberate. I would hope you can give me some time to compensate for it." Jungwon apologizes. One didn't need to see Jeonghan physically to know that he wanted to continue giving sarcastic remarks but as a martial god who neither had his palace toppled nor had been gravely injured by the bell, he would only appear overbearing and nitpicking. So, he instead silently conceived himself and left.

Jungwon has never been more awkward.

⊹•º·⊹

“I apologize, You Highness. If General Yin hadn’t intervened, I could have wrangled some deputies to help you.” Soyeon says when they come back from the array. Jungwon smiles lightly at her, his face still flushed with embarrassment. “There is no need, Sù Yán. Besides, I’m used to doing things on my own.”

Soyeon bows. “Then I shall not keep his highness occupied for long.” Jungwon bows back, “But before I leave, is there anything else that I need to know?” Soyeon stays quiet as she thinks. “I think that there might be a few things that His Highness might need to know. However, we can discuss those tomorrow. I shall have the maps ready for you by then too.”

“Okay, Sù Yán. Thank you for your efforts. I shall take my leave now.” Jungwon bows before he turns and walks in the direction of the Palace Hall of the Crown Prince of Luoyang.

‘What an ascension.’ Jungwon thinks wryly to himself.

⊹•º·⊹

Jungwon’s name and titles: Yáng Zhèng Yuán [ 楊 正 元 ], Fire Master , Yuan , Xiāofáng dàshī [ 消防 大師 ]. The Prince that Rose from the Blaze / Cóng Lièhuǒ Zhōng Juéqǐ De Wángzǐ [ 從 烈火 中 崛起 的 王子 ]

Jeonghan’s name and title: Yin Zhèng Hàn [ 尹 正 漢 ], General Yin, Martial God of the South West.

Seungcheol’s name and title: Wán Shèng Zhé [ 玩 勝 哲 ], General Wan, Martial God of the South East.

Soyeon’s name and title: Quán Sù Yán [全 素 妍], Goddess of Literature

©Liyana⋇

Chapter Text

Chapter - 3

⊹•º·⊹

The Hall Of Affairs, Imperial Palace of Xuli, 1406

Riki hated council meetings. The old officials dictating the lives of their citizens were the bane of his existence. If he could, he would have wiped them all out. He merely gives curt nods to the ones that come to greet him and his brother, which considering Hyunjin’s position, is quite a lot of them.

It isn't a surprise as Riki was known to be cold and distant with those he wasn't close with. And Riki disdained the officials. Naturally, he was more inclined to ignore them than entertain them with measly conversations.

“General  Xīcūn,  we heard about your sparring session with General Wen. You did well to defeat that old man. Heaven’s know he needs to be knocked down a peg or two from his high horse!” One of the Officials claps a hand on his shoulder. Riki has to put in some effort to hold back his sneer at the audacity.

General Wen was a formidable warrior. The luxuries these old coots enjoyed were a gift from General Wen who protected their borders from invasion. General Wen sacrificed his own comfortable life, his family, and his lone son for the nation. If Gerenal Wen did not protect their borders, enemies would have ransacked the country and sucked them dry.

General Wen has every right to be proud of his work. Unlike these freeloaders, he worked for it. General Wen deserved to gloat about it. These officials did not.

"I thought upstanding individuals, such as yourself, thought mindless gossip to be below your station. One only suited for maidens. Was I wrong?" Riki raises a brow.

He does not miss the slight twitch of lips on the other’s face. Riki internally scoffs at the man's poor attempt to disguise his anger.

Good, be angry. After all, dogs only know how to bark.

" Xīcūn , you should not be so hostile," his brother whispers beside him. Only for his ears. Riki rolls his eyes as he excuses himself to his seat.

The official watches him go with a tight smile before exhaling a deep sigh and addressing the Crown Prince. "Your Royal Highness, General Xīcūn is a man of pride. He will always disrespect those above him. In his eyes, he is the only one that is good. Do not bother with the likes of him, Your Highness."

Hyunjin replies, his tone clipped, and sharp, "My brother is very respectful to those who deserve it, My Lord. Besides, he knows his place quite well. Unlike people who let a mere court presence get to their heads. He is my brother, after all. Please take your seat and help yourself to the refreshments, elder Bao. His Majesty should be arriving soon."

Hyunjin bows and turns on his heel to walk to his seat, leaving a fuming elder behind in his wake.

"Who is hostile now?" Riki murmurs to his brother which earns him a light laughter. Riki smiles.

"Attention, His Majesty, The Monarch of Xuli has arrived! Resume your places and bow to His Excellency!" The announcer calls from the entrance to the hall and everyone stands to greet the Emperor.

The King is a man in his mid-forties, his hair tied in a neat bun with a headpiece adorning his head. He has sharp cheekbones and glittery eyes. A feature that Riki is quite acquainted with through Yeji.

"Resume your seats, gentlemen." His voice is soft and polite. Riki and Hyunjin sit on the cushion cross-legged. As the prince and heir, Hyunjin was seated right beneath the throne. Riki is beside him.

"Let us start the discussions."

Riki tunes out the complaints from elder Mo who drones on and on about the crop harvest of the year. Some raise concerns about land disputes while others raise concerns about filial piety.

The emperor is very enforcing when it comes to filial piety. He values it above everything else and punishes those who ignore it, harshly.

The politics of the nation is something Riki has never concerned himself with. That was Hyunjin's job. Not his. What does concern him is the safety of the nation and its citizens.

He is a General of the nation's army. As such, its protection is his duty. That is his filial piety.

You can say, it draws his full attention when General Wen steps out from his seat to kneel before the King.

"Your Majesty, The rebels from the east have been subdued, however, another has risen in the north. There is no one to protect our Northern borders. At the moment it is the most vulnerable Fort of our country. I implore you to send troops to guard it immediately."

Elder Bao chuckles, "General Wen, the borders are all your territory. You are its protector. To say that, are you saying you are not fit for the job?"

General Wen shakes his head. "That is not what I mean, Lord Bao. The North is unprotected at the moment. My troops have suffered a heavy loss in the battle in the east. As such, another force is needed to guard it."

Elder Bao scoffs, "Why would you focus on the east where 4000 soldiers are situated and leave the north unprotected? Are you slacking off on your work, General?"

General Wen sighs, "Lord Bao-"

The elder cuts him off, "Are you suggesting that His Majesty stop territory expansion?"

"That is not-"

"Your Grace, Yong'An is a country of valuable resources. It will bring prosperity to our nation. It has vast lands that could be used for agriculture. Some forests and rivers will purge our troubles of water maintenance and land disputes. We should focus on winning, Yong'An, Your Excellency."

General Wen stares at the Elder in disbelief. He appeals to the King instead, "Your Majesty, perils of the country will only grow if we leave the North unprotected. War with a nation such as Yong'An will only incense it further. We need to strengthen our Fort before attacking another nation!"

The emperor sighs. "What do you suggest I do then, General Wen?"

The general straightens up. "Send troops to the North, Your Grace. The rebels need to be suppressed before we invite new ones."

"We cannot spare more men for border disputes! We need soldiers to protect the capital!" Elder Bao protests.

"Are you talking about protecting the capital or yourself, elder Bao?" General Wen snaps.

The old man stutters."Your Grace!"

"Silence!" The emperor roars. He massages his temple as he looks towards his son.

"Xián Zhēn, what do you think should be done?"

Put in a tight spot with no warning, Hyunjin struggles. "I," he gulps. Sensing his brother's nervousness, Riki reaches out to squeeze his hand under the table. Soaking in the rare show of comfort Hyunjin straightens up.

"I think we should send a troop to the North. According to General Wen, it poses little threat and can be subdued quickly. After we suppress those rebels, we can march towards Yong'An for territory expansion."

The emperor looks quizzical, "We have 3 generals concerned with border safety. General Wen and his troops have served our nation a great deal. Other than them, General An, General Lim, and General Xīcūn are the only ones to be spared. All their troops are formidable for border expansion. We cannot spare them in the North."

Hyunjin thinks for a while.

"How about we send General Lim to the North and General An and General Xīcūn to Yong'An?"

"What are your thoughts, Xīcūn?"

"My apologies, Your Majesty. I am ready to serve the country no matter where you send me. But as Your Excellency stated, our troops cannot be disposed of in the North, if you wish to extend our borders to Yong'An." Riki bows his head as he publicly refuses his older brother’s suggestion.

"Then, what will you suggest, General Xīcūn?" The emperor asks.

"Yong'An is a country of formidable military force. Their experience is greater than ours and the number is uneven compared to theirs. They have a force of 60,000 soldiers. Our military force without General Lim, and General Wen's troops, does not compare. It would be a fool's errand to wage war. General Wen experienced a heavy loss in the east. We cannot spare more in the North. Perhaps send Lieutenant Han and his troops to the North and have the rest of us march to Yong'An?"

"Excellent suggestion General Xīcūn!" Elder Bao exclaims. General Wen looks forlorn.

"General Xīcūn… Lieutenant Han has no war experience. To send him to the North would be a bigger mistake." General Wen protests.

"We were all inexperienced when we first became Generals, Lieutenant Han will be the same. He will learn."

The emperor concedes.

"Very well, we will have General Wen, General An, General Lim, and General Xīcūn's troops march to Yong'An by sunrise in three days. Lieutenant Han is to march towards the North to suppress the rebels. You're all dismissed."

The emperor walks out of the Hall Of Affairs and the rest follow. Riki looks at Hyunjin, uncertain.

"Do not look so worried, Riki. I had thought suppressing the rebels would be the best form of approach." Hyunjin placated his brother.

Riki says, "Your idea wasn't too bad. Like you said, General Wen thinks that the North will not pose much threat. Lieutenant Han is smart and strategic. He will do well. Yong'An is not a small enemy. The country has stood for almost three centuries. It will be a difficult opponent. We need all the military force that we can get."

"You're right. Yong'An is difficult to conquer. Though, I am sure, it won't pose as much of a problem to you, will it?" Hyunjin teases.

Riki smirks, "Of course not."

The two brothers laugh about it as they exit the Hall, unaware of the eyes that watch over them in cruel amusement.

⊹•º·⊹

©Liyana⋇

Chapter Text

Chapter - 4

⊹•º·⊹

The Royal Quarters of Her Highness, 1406

“The emperor has asked the four generals to march towards Yong’an by sunrise. Lieutenant Han has set off to subdue the rebels in the north, Your Highness.”

“Lieutenant Han?” Yeji asks, surprised.

The servant looks up from the position she has bowed in to look at her princess, “Yes, my lady.”

“But Lieutenant Han has just been promoted to his position! He has never marched to war! He has always been left to protect the civil towers! His Majesty allowed that?”

“General Xīcūn implored that they were all inexperienced before, therefore, he will learn.”

“Oh heaven’s, brother did not say that,” Yeji despairs. The servant observes her mistress from the side, calculating.

“Forgive the impudence, my lady, but should a princess of a noble country worry herself with such matters?”

Yeji looks at the bold girl for a moment. “I am aware that as a princess and a girl, I’m expected to be on my best behavior. Quiet, meek, petite, dutiful, maiden. But you know me Yuna, I cannot keep myself away from such things. I do not just want to be a woman with a sewing needle!”

“Apologies, Your Highness.” The servant excuses herself.

“Wait!” Yuna turns back around to look at her mistress. “Do inform me when General Xīcūn departs. I wish to see him off.” Yuna has a look akin to pity in her eyes. “My lady, General Xīcūn, will not allow you to come with him. It is bad luck for soldiers marching to war to bring a woman with them. It brings them misfortune.”

“I merely want to wish him good luck before he departs, Yuna. You may leave now.”

Yuna bows, “As you wish.”

⊹•º·⊹

Somewhere in Giyeong, 1406

“Excuse me, do you happen to have something for me to drink and eat? I’m afraid it was a long trip.”

The grouchy man removes his hat shielding him from the sun and looks up at the priest smiling down at him. He jumps up in joy, “Of course, Taoist! Please come, please, come I have the perfect meal for you!”

“Thank you!” Jungwon beams at him.

He had left heaven in hopes of finding a peaceful place to build a shrine and rest. He did find a place, a small village nestled in between tall hills and moderate temperature. Rich in nature, like goddess Xiyun herself had cultivated the land.

While the tea house owner goes to bring him some buns and tea, Jungwon looks around the place. When his tea arrives, Jungwon smiles kindly at the man and accepts it. Just as he pours himself some tea, he hears a voice in his head. It’s Soyeon, contacting him through the spirit communication array from heaven.

“Sù Yán?” Jungwon calls, two fingers pressed to his temple, head tilting to the side, with his eyes shining like gems.

“Your Highness, I have called you to inform you that two deputy officials have agreed to help you on your journey and are on their way to you.”

“Wait, Sù Yán- huh?!”

Jungwon sighs, his borrowed spiritual energy must have run its course. He is going to have to borrow some when the deputies arrive. Jungwon turns forward and promptly yelps when he is faced with two faces staring back at him. Both questioning and unimpressed. Jungwon lets out a nervous laugh as he rubs his chest to soothe his frantically beating heart.

“When did you guys arrive?”

The one who looks a little too much like a baby cow replies, “Just as you were communicating on the array.”

“Ah,” Jungwon says, “So, do you two know who I am?”

The earlier man replies, “Of course, you are His Highness, The Crown Prince of Luoyang.”

The other man rolls his eyes as he says thoroughly unimpressed, “You are the center of the universe and everything good and kind.”

Jungwon stares stupefied. He blinks before turning to the other, “Did he just roll his eyes at me?”

The man replies, “Yes, kick him out.”

“Eh?!” Jungwon squawks.

“Why would he kick me out when it’s not my fault that he has such ridiculous titles?!”

“Because you are disrespectful and annoying.”

“As if you are any better company.”

“At least I’m better than you.”

“Dream on.”

Jungwon rubs the bridge of his nose. He takes a deep breath before he states calmly, “I’m married.”

The two stop abruptly before they look at him baffled, “You have a vow of chastity.”

“Yes, I do. I just wanted to break off your marital bickering,” he dryly says.

The two immediately turn red and protest at the same time.

“He started it!”

“We are not married!”

Jungwon just sighs. He pours them both tea as he asks, “What are your names?”

The two accept their tea before they discreetly glance at each other. The one who rolled his eyes at Jungwon said, “My name is Fù Shēng Guān, I am a deputy official from the Palace of Yin.”

The other followed, “My name is Chén, I am a deputy official in the Palace of Wán.”

Jungwon stares at them, unnerved. They were both from Jeonghan and Seungcheol’s palace hall. He asks uncertainly, “Do your generals know that you are here?” Jungwon isn’t sure what he will do if the answer is yes. He hasn’t talked to either of the generals since his ascension.

But the two deputies shake their heads, “My general doesn’t know I’m here,” Chén replies. “Neither does mine,” Shēng Guān agrees.

Jungwon doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"My folks named me Seungkwan," Fù Shēng Guān answers.

"I was named Chan."

Just then they hear the sound of a wedding and all three peek out of the window to take a look. The music and the bride escorts are all top-notch. They are dressed in red robes and armor as they carry the bridal sedan to the marriage spot. The people on the street excitedly whisper as they try to peek past the red curtains to take a look at the bride.

"I haven't seen a proper traditional wedding in a long while," Jungwon muses. His eyes were gleaming with wonder.

"Does His Highness wish to take a look before departing?" Chan asks.

"Hmm," Jungwon contemplates.

"What's there to even think about?" Seungkwan comments dryly, "If you want to watch just say so. We'll follow you and watch the wedding if that is what you want."

Jungwon lets out a nervous laugh.

"I just thought you would be opposed to it," he admits.

Seungkwan scoffs, "You're a Prince. We are subordinate. Let's go."

The three end up following the bridal sedan and reach the groom's house where the bride will be married off. The families have gathered as witnesses to the reunion and Jungwon can't help but let his excitement get the best of him when they reach the part where the bride and groom take their bows.

In their culture, the engaged have to take three bows, one to each other, one to the family, and one to heaven to announce their fate being tied together for eternity from henceforth. In his mortal life, Jungwon had attended two weddings in total. In his three hundred years of immortality, Jungwon has witnessed dozens of weddings and reunions. He has seen lovers pine, long after one another, meet, then separate, and wallow in loneliness, but one thing has always remained constant in these cases. The separated lovers, if fated, always find one another again across time and space.

It is believed that when you announce your union to heaven, it's to say that, 'I have chosen this person to share my path going forward, and I shall take no one else, even if they fated. This is the person I have chosen and not even the heaven will separate us.'

Jungwon believes this is too romantic and promising. He loves it.

The bride and groom first bow to one another after reading their vows and sharing the apple. They then turn to where their parents stand and bow to them. Coincidentally, when they bow to the heavens, Jungwon is just standing in front of them. Far away but in the direct line of sight.

Perhaps, this is a sign that heaven acknowledges this reunion? Jungwon thinks. He is a god after all. Maybe two years ago, but he was one now. Besides, he also established a temple in his name in that village hidden between tall hills and dense nature.

Jungwon startles when he hears shouts from the crowd. A man with blood-red eyes and torn clothes comes stumbling into the place. He is bruised and has stab wounds over his body, it is clear that he is losing a lot of blood. Seungkwan and Chan are immediately on alert when they all notice the knife in his hand.

They have no time to process the situation when the man jumps and tackles the groom, viciously stabbing him repeatedly. Many people including the bride, rush to pull him off but to no avail. Any who come in contact are victims of his blind stabbing. People scream and run around as the man goes crazy.

Jungwon quickly snaps into action. Seungkwan and Chan follow as he pulls the man off the dead groom who is now nothing but a puddle of flesh and blood. His face is unrecognizable and the only part intact seems to be his legs. Though a mere mortal, it takes significant strength for Jungwon to reel the man in and hold him still. The man is still crazed, swinging around his hand and twisting his body to swipe at the god but he is firm.

Seungkwan helps him while Chan goes to help the injured people. The bride is hysteric, with a slash along her collarbones and her dress torn, she crawls to her husband and sobs on top of his dead body. Jungwon pities her. She had just gotten married.

But then, a dark mist suddenly descends upon them, black like smoke and smelling like ash and rotting bones. The man in his arms stops struggling and goes limp, slumping to the ground, dead. Jungwon is shocked and instantly on high alert. There is a threatening aura mixed with air and Jungwon immediately uses his sleeves to shield his mouth to avoid inhaling the toxic air. Chan and Seungkwan seemed to sense it too and they had their mouth covered.

The bride was hunched over her husband's body so she didn't have time to inhale the toxic mist but the injured ones, Jungwon gulps, their eyes are turning red and their mouths are turning black. The four dead bodies on the ground that were covered in mist, rise. Their bones cracking. The bride is startled when her husband moves. She moves to talk to him but he immediately jumps onto her and bites her. Jungwon has no time to warn her.

The girl screams in pain as the corpse rips her apart. Gurgling with the blood it consumes the three immortals feel sick with the way they can hear the flesh being chewed. The injured ones who inhaled the smoke go berserk while the three other corpses, likely the boy, and the girl's family, join the groom in tearing his bride apart. They feast on her like starved animals and Jungwon gags at the sound of bones being sucked.

When the other crazed ones notice their presence, they immediately start attacking. Chan and Seungkwan are quick on their feet and immediately stand back to back to face off the incoming horde. The three fight them barehanded, as they are still considered alive unlike the feasting corpses, they did not seriously harm them. But they would not lose consciousness. They kept getting up and attacking them.

Many people were injured and had inhaled the mist. The two deputies were growing tired, their spiritual reserves not vast enough to last them long. They were not martial gods, instead, they were deputies appointed by their respective generals to serve in their palaces. They were brought up to the heavens on the merits of their general rather than their cultivation base. In short, they were weaker and not adept at helping Jungwon in this situation.

They are minor deputies, they serve their generals and whoever they are assigned to. They have not ascended and they only have mediocre energy reserves that could burn out quickly. Unlike Jungwon, who is a Martial God, an elemental master, and a proper god who has managed to ascend three times, they are nothing but dead weights in this situation.

They can fight, and they have cultivated enough that they have a higher cultivation base than the normal mortal cultivators. They were skilled with a sword and had trained under their respective generals for more than a century. They have cultivated immortality, but they do not have a strong base to ascend as a god. Their generals would have been more helpful in this case instead of them.

When Jungwon realizes that they do not have a choice but to go for the kill, he steals his heart. Before being a god, he was the crown prince of his nation. He was a swordsman and a cultivator. He was born to a King who valued martial might more than mere cultivation methods. Grey eyes sharpen as Jungwon grows more aggressive in his attacks. When he has created enough distance between them he glances at Chan and Seungkwan. The two get the intended message.

They immediately fight their way to him and immediately take cover behind him just as Jungwon raises his hand. White palms glow unnaturally bright as Jungwon closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. It takes him two seconds at most, but when he closes his eyes and falls into the familiar meditative trance, time slows down. Jungwon follows his breathing and feels his golden core nestled between his ribs, pulsing with spiritual energy behind his heart.

He follows the bright golden rivers of spiritual energy that separate from the glowing orb through his spiritual pathways and into his palm. He feels the hot wildfire burning inside his blood and two seconds later when Jungwon opens his eyes, they are glowing a bright silver, a blast of glaze fire bursting from his palm and burning the incoming corpses mercilessly.

The two deputies watch with awe. Everyone in heaven knows that the fire master is no ordinary elemental master. They have all heard that the prince who rose from the blaze carries wildfire in his blood. They have all been told that Yáng Zhèng Yuán, The Crown Prince of Luoyang, The Fire Master of the 5th heavenly dynasty, wielded celestial fire.

But they had never witnessed it happen before.

Yáng Zhèng Yuán has never felt the need to use the celestial fire again, except now. The celestial fire was known to be the fire in its purest form. Unbridled and unlit. It existed since the beginning of time and is said to have never stopped burning. It never dies out. It was considered a myth until Yang Jungwon walked out alive and unharmed from a deadly blaze.

He had ascended the very night as the first fire master after three heavenly dynasties.

⊹•º·⊹

The Imperial Palace of Xuli, 1406

Riki is all set and prepared to make his journey to Yong'An for the upcoming war. He is walking through the palace halls at early dawn with Hyunjin by his side The two brothers are exchanging light conversations. They always did this when Riki departed for war.

"Don't show off too much on the battlefield. Father will have a heart attack if you come back injured again," Hyunjin chides.

Riki scoffs, "It's not my fault the opponent is incompetent, brother."

Hyunjin laughs, "Your ego truly knows no bounds, Riki."

The latter merely smirks. When the two brothers round the corner, they see their sister waiting for them at the entrance. Yeji smiles when she sees them. She gracefully walks forward and bows to them in greeting. "Good morning, Xián Zhēn gege," she turns to Riki and lowers her head, "Good morning Lì Huī gege."

The two brothers bow and greet her back. "Good morning Wang Ji meimei."

Yeji smiles and says, "I heard you were going for a battle to Yong'An. Have a safe trip, Riki gege."

Riki smiles back and moves to pat her head lightly, "Thank you, Yeji. Be good while I'm gone and make sure to annoy Hyunjin on my behalf, would you?"

Yeji returns the teasing and smiles conspiratingly while looking at her half-brother. "Of course. You can count on me."

Hyunjin gasps, "You two are picking on me!" The two siblings laugh at his expense as the crown prince pouts, "I shall have you both know that I won't let you bully me this time!"

Riki teases, "Oh, well that's good, didi. Now I won't have to worry about you tripping on your robes and breaking your nose."

Yeji laughs as Hyunjin whines, "You promised we would keep that between us!"

Riki raises a brow, "Technically, it is still between us. Yeji was there when it happened remember?"

"I do." the prince sulks.

Yeji giggles behind her sleeves. Hyunjin sighs, "Jokes aside, you really should be careful out there, brother. I don't know how I will fall asleep knowing that you are injured and vulnerable in the middle of a war."

Riki softens and he pats his brother's head too. "Don't worry. I'll come back."

And the two siblings believe their honourary eldest brother. The three siblings share a quiet farewell among themselves and the prince and the princess watch from the palace entrance as the General sets out with his army of Black Knights. Unaware of the separation that the future holds for them.

⊹•º·⊹

©Liyana⋇

Chapter Text

Chapter - 5

⊹•º·⊹

The Heavenly Capital, 1406

Unlike his third heavenly ascension, his trip back to heaven is relatively quiet. His mind is whirring, and loud alarm bells are ringing inside them. Chan and Seungkwan follow, shaken and reluctant, as Jungwon hurries through the heavenly streets to the palace of Sù Yán.

Although Jungwon is currently the joke of the realm, Heavenly Official's part for him like water to make way, confusion, and curiosity clear in their inquiring eyes, but the fire master ignores them all and keeps moving. Seungkwan and Chan scramble to keep up with him.

He had never thought that he would see the walking corpses again. Jungwon cannot stop breathing. His lungs strain under the pressure and he can't seem to just stop breathing.

When they hurry into the palace of Sù Yán, he is relieved to see her sitting behind her desk, hands supporting her forehead, with dark lines beneath her eyes. The fire master hurries over the flight of stairs leading to the elevated dias where the goddess of literature dwells. When Soyeon sees the prince coming, she immediately gets on her feet to greet him.

"Your Royal Highness," Sù Yán bows. "What can I do for you-"

"We do not have the time for this Sù Yán," Jungwon cuts her off, "I apologize but this is an extremely urgent matter. I need to see His Majesty, The Heavenly Emperor at once!"

Sù Yán straightens, startled, "His Majesty is not here at the moment. However, we can report on this matter in the communication array and find a martial god to deploy until the emperor returns."

Jungwon nods firmly.

While the two gods enter the array, Chan and Seungkwan awkwardly shuffle their feet by the side. As deputies, they only have access to the general communication arrays where middle court deputies like them dwell. They are not granted the password to the communication array to the upper court unless they ascend as gods themselves. So, knowing they have no business but to wait, they silently stand by the side and watch the two immortals relay the situation.

Inside, the communication array was bustling. Jungwon had half a mind to think if he entered the wrong communication array again, but he was certain it was this one.

"The Wind Master granted me 1,000 merits!"

"I got 1,200 merits!"

"800! 800 merits!"

"Wind Master is certainly very gracious, granting so many merits to the officials because they worked with them."

"Wind Master, are you that high on merits that you are doing charity?"

"Wind Master is very compassionate! They are truly worthy of being one of the four greatest!"

"1,287 merits! Wind Master granted me 1,287 merits!"

He looked for Soyeon's spiritual presence and did not find it. Wrong one then, he thinks and silently withdraws his presence from the array. He follows another link and is greeted with silence. This is the right one then.

"Everyone, I have some urgent business to report that needs immediate attention," Jungwon greets the array.

"I thought His Highness was busy building his shrine and gaining worshippers?" A lazy drawl inquires.

'And I thought you were too busy to keep guard at the array,' Jungwon thinks.

"I was, General Yin, the deputy from your palace was also helpful," the prince thanked him. A murmur erupts into the array. If Jeonghan feels uncomfortable at being called out for sending his deputy to help his fallen master, he does not voice it.

That reminds Jungwon, "Thank you for the deputy as well, General Wán," Nothing but a tired grunt comes as a response from Seungcheol's side.

"Your Highness, what is the urgent matter that you need to discuss?" Soyeon reminds him of his original purpose.

"Ah, yes, When I was in the mortal plain, I was traveling from my shrine to collect scraps as usual," Jungwon starts, "I was resting at a tea shop near Giyeong with the two deputies from the Palace of Yin and the palace of Wán when a wedding procession passed b-"

"Your Royal Highness," comes a mocking voice, "None of us here are interested in your day-to-day activities, just come to the point, we are all busy here."

Jungwon rubs the back of his head awkwardly, "Right, uh..." he sighs and continues, "I saw demonic sorcery."

The array falls into a pin-drop silence. Jungwon waits with bated breath for someone to say something. "Your Highness," comes Soyeon's voice, "Are you certain that it was demonic sorcery that you witnessed?"

"Yes, the wedding was interrupted by a walking corpse that killed the groom before a dark mist covered the entire place and infected the wounded and other people that were present there," Jungwon states firmly.

Startled Soyeon says, "Demonic sorcery has not appeared in almost three centuries."

Yes, it hasn't. Even when Jungwon roamed the world in his banishment, he never heard even a whisper of demonic sorcery. Not even in stories and urban legends. It had been nothing more than a myth. If Jungwon had not witnessed the evil himself, he would never have believed it existed either.

After some contemplation, Jungwon informs, "I would like to visit the magical border and check it myself."

Once again, the conversation halts.

"I apologize Your Highness, but I must refuse the request," Soyeon refutes, and just for an extra measure of safety, she says, "Even if you go, there won't be much that you could do."

Right, Jungwon was quite drained himself after that bout of glazed fire. It wasn't much, just a small fire, but it took almost half of the spiritual energy that had leaked out. He would need to wait and recuperate it for another week before he could go check the border. Even if he went he wouldn't be able to fight much with the limited power he has and will only be a liability.

But this is so important. How can he leave this unattended?

"All in all, this matter is too important and sensitive and will require a full audience with the Emperor. I will inform him of this matter and will arrange the gathering as soon as possible," Soyeon informs, "Until then, please, everyone, report back to Grand Martial Hall immediately."

Soyeon disappears from the array and goes into the personal communication array of the Emperor to inform him of his required presence.

The turns quiet as the officials leave one by one until only the two generals and their prince are left. The silence between them is oppressive and awkward. Jungwon clears his throat to dissipate some tension in the array.

"Uh..." Jungwon starts eloquently, "Thank you," he hesitates, "for the deputies."

"They went there out of their self-violation. You need not thank us, Your Highness," Jeonghan waves his gratitude away.

Jungwon tries not to flinch at the cold tone.

"Right," he trails off, dejected.

Something in his tone must have sounded pitiful to Jeonghan's ears because he immediately follows his statement with, "Congratulations on establishing your shrine."

Jungwon is glad that none of them can see his relieved smile.

"Thank you," he says, sincerely.

"We should gather at the Martial Hall," Seungcheol excuses himself from the awkward conversation. When the other general's presence disappears, Jeonghan turns serious.

"What are you not telling us?" He asks flatly.

Jungwon sighs. He has never been particularly adept at hiding things from Jeonghan. Even if he doesn't confront him, the older one always knows when Jungwon is hiding something from him. He either manipulates the prince into spilling his secrets or finds them out himself.

And even after three centuries, Jungwon has not learned his lesson.

"Nothing," he lies, his voice steady but quiet. The general does not speak but the silence from him feels judging. So, Jungwon high-tails out of there. He takes Seungkwan and Chan with him to the grand martial hall and distractedly listens to them bickering.

When they reach the hall, the room is already filled with many officials. They must have rushed to come here. Jungwon goes to stand at the side, silent and unnoticed until called upon and the two deputies follow. He turns to them questioningly, "Why are you following me?"

The two look at each other and then at him, "What do you mean? We are your subordinates."

Jungwon stares at them flabbergasted, but the two deputies ignore him and stand on either side of him, a little backward, and go right back to bickering. However, they have toned their voices down.

The Martial Hall is filled with murmurs that are immediately quiet when the Emperor walks in with Sù Yán following suit. They all bow as The Heavenly Emperor takes his seat on the elevated dais where his throne rests. Soyeon stops a few steps down to the left and turns to address the hall.

"Greetings, My lords, we are gathered here to discuss some very concerning matter that has been brought to our attention and needs immediate supervision that cannot be delayed," Sù Yán starts, "His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince of Luoyang, has brought some startling news about having witnesses demonic sorcery during his stay in the mortal plain today."

Murmurs start erupting again. The sharp but delicate eyes of the Emperor flit over to where Jungwon is standing for fleeting seconds before he returns his attention to Sù Yán. "Your Highness, please report the events of your sightings to the Emperor."

Jungwon bows, "Yes, of course."

He buries the nerves of having multiple eyes on his being and goes to stand in the middle of the court and relays the situation. "After my...eventful ascension, I descended to the mortal plain to establish my shrine and gain merits by myself. The other day, I left the shrine in Puqi village to collect scraps and stopped somewhere around Giyeong. There was a wedding procession that both I and the two deputies from the Palace of Yin and the Palace of Wán attended. That is where I witnessed the demonic sorcery at play."

The hall erupts in another round of murmurs.

"The wedding was interrupted by a man with blood-red eyes and torn clothes who looked like he had been stabbed multiple times and was still losing lots of blood. He had a knife in his hands and before anyone could react he jumped the groom and killed him. Many people were wounded and it was chaotic. Then, a dark mist descended on the scene out of nowhere and everyone who inhaled it was affected. The dead bodies on the ground started to get up and their bones were cracking with each movement. Everyone that inhaled the smoke started behaving erratically and went berserk on the bride who was the only one who had not yet inhaled the smoke. When they noticed our presence they all attacked us. The three of us fought with them and somehow managed to wrangle the situation under control. We had no time to purify the area and immediately ascended to the heavens to report the events to Your Majesty."

The hall is silent before it starts buzzing with talks again. The emperor raises an arm and silences them all.

"Zhèng Yuán," The emperor calls him, Jungwon immediately snaps to attention, "You said the deputies were witnesses as well."

Jungwon lowers his head, "Yes, Your Majesty."

The emperor hums, "How did you fight off the walking corpses?" he asks, Jungwon stills, "If experience serves me right, they are quite difficult to deal with without spiritual energy."

Jungwon grows quiet for a while. He bows his head down, "They were indeed difficult to manage, Your Majesty," he starts, "We had an extremely hard time."

The emperor says nothing. He instead turns to Sù Yán and orders, "Deploy a Martial God to patrol the magical border and have someone patrol the area where the sorcery was seen. I shall descend and purify the land myself."

Jungwon bows, "Your Majesty, please let Zhèng Yuán be the one to check the border," he requests.

The emperor only looks at him before he refuses, "There is no need Zhèng Yuán. There is no shortage of Martial Gods to take on the job and besides, you need time to recover," he reasons, "I imagine it must not be pleasant to witness what you did after what happened three centuries ago."

Jungwon resists the urge to fold into himself.

The emperor gazes at him knowingly, "Take some rest in the Palace of Luoyang for a while, Zhèng Yuán. Let us handle the matter for ourselves. Or are you doubtful of the court's ability to handle the situation themselves?"

Jungwon bows in shame, "Zhèng Yuán dares not, Your Majesty."

The emperor nods, "It is settled then," he stands from his throne and addresses the hall full of Gods and their deputies, "Please return to your posts and complete your missions as assigned."

 The hall starts to empty and as Jungwon turns to leave, he hears his name, "Zhèng Yuán," he turns to look at the emperor. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Stay," the emperor orders.

Jungwon stops, unsure.

Jeonghan and Seungcheol also stop at the door to the Hall and glance back at Jungwon and the emperor. They share a glance before they too leave, the large doors closing behind them.

Jungwon bows to the Martial God, "What can Zhèng Yuán do for you, Your Majesty?"

The emperor descends the dais and comes to stand before him. He gently takes Jungwon's elbow and straightens him back up, "Now, Now, there is no need for such formalities between us, Jungwon."

Jungwon smiles at the Emperor, self-condescending, "I dare not disrespect Your Majesty like that."

The Emperor sighs, "Come now, you did not once visit me after your ascension, and had it not been an emergency such as this, you wouldn't have come to me without a summon."

Jungwon bows his head, "Zhèng Yuán does not deserve such grace from you, Your Majesty."

"Oh, Hush you!" The emperor huffs.

Kim Seokjin, The Heavenly Emperor of the Fifth Heavenly Dynasty, who had the courtesy name Jīn Shuò Zhēn, was something akin to a father figure for Jungwon. He has been there for him since his very first ascension. There are things that Jīn Shuò Zhēn had to do to protect Jungwon as well as appease the court that he isn't proud of. But, Jungwon is a very important person to him. He tries to look out for the young god whenever he can.

Jin sighs, "Come on, let me escort you to your Palace Halls." Jungwon does not get to protest for the emperor grabs him and starts leading the way to where the palace of Luoyang is located. In the Heavenly Capital, every god that ascends is assigned a palace that is built to mimic the one they have back in the mortal realm. When Jungwon first ascended, he was homesick, but having to live in a palace that was identical to the one he called home, he grew comfortable pretty quickly.

Now, Jungwon is loathe to go there.

"Regret is good, Jungwon, but if it lasts for more than a century, it will only be your destruction," Seokjin is looking at him. Jungwon looks away. The emperor lightly pats his head, "Grief is necessary in the path to happiness, little prince, but it is no matter of pride."

Jungwon looks down at his hands, "I do not think I have any pride left in me, Hyung."

His quiet admission hurt. Yang Jungwon was a prideful prince. How could he not be proud? He achieved everything he wanted in his life. He was loved and treasured by his people. But what has he left now? His reputation is tarnished, his dignity crushed, his immortality cursed, his soul shackled, and his pride lost.

"And yet, you pride yourself in being able to bear humiliation and pain."

The words strike him, somewhere deep hidden, and ugly. But Jungwon cannot refute. Seokjin sighed patted his head once again, and kindly said, "Go to rest, Jungwon, you will need the energy."

With that, the emperor turns to leave. Prepared to descend to the mortal plain and purify the land where the sorcery was sighted. Jungwon says nothing and simply watches him leave. He heaves a deep breath and finally turns the corner from the intersection where Jin had left him.

The Palace Halls of Luoyang greet him, airy, and high above the clouds where it almost touches the moon. Jungwon's home had been of similar structure, just on the ground, but his palace in the heavenly capital had been on the clouds. It was a point of envy for many officials.

He walks past the greenery and climbs up the cloudy stairs to the palace gates. They open with a creek and Jungwon is greeted with darkness. He is too tired and depleted to light the rows and rows of candles leading down the hallway so he bypasses them all and goes to the chamber closest to him.

It does not look like the one he used to reside in but Jungwon does not mind. He hasn't experienced a single ounce of luxury in his three hundred years of banishment and he feels out of place here. Jungwon wants to draw a bath. He always washed himself in the stream beside the shrine in Puqi Village and he hasn't experienced a warm bath outside of the occasional bath house he visited once a year.

Just as Jungwon is contemplating, he hears the gates open. Jungwon immediately perks up. The large grand doors of his palace halls creek and he hears two voices arguing... loudly. He knows that voice. Jungwon opens his door and is amused when Chan shrieks and clings to Seungkwan in fear. Jungwon pities the wide-eyed deputy and greets them with a smile.

"I had assumed you would have been reporting to your generals back at their palace halls."

Chan clears his throat and separates himself from the murderous-looking Seungkwan who was glaring at him and addresses the prince, "We ran away."

Jungwon blinks, "What?"

Seungkwan is screaming at Chan to shut the fuck up with his eyes and instead covers for him through gritted teeth. "What this idiot means to say is, if we stay with the generals we would be punished for not informing them of our departure so we are here to help you instead."

Hide us. That is what he means alright.

Jungwon laughs awkwardly, "Well..." he trails off, "You're always welcome here...?"

Seungkwan nods, "Good," he says and invites himself into the room.

"Don't just walk in like you own the place!" Chan yells at the insolent deputy.

"It's fine," Jungwon placates.

"Don't spoil him!" Chan scolds him.

Jungwon is dumbfounded and simply laughs his embarrassment off. When they go inside Jungwon hears Seungkwan complaining, "Why is there so much dust here? Why haven't you lit the candles yet? How will you see in the dark like this? What if you fall and crack your head open?" Jungwon feels a sense of Deja Vu.

 Seungkwan poked his head behind the screen where the bath was situated while pointing at the water Jungwon had drawn earlier. "Were you about to bathe?"

Jungwon coughs into his hand nervously while the two deputies look at him questioningly, "Yes, I was."

Seungkwan nods, "Okay, go take off your clothes, I'll warm the water up while Chan lights the candles. Jungwon feels out of depth. Seungkwan manhandles him behind the screen and gives him a clean order of "strip."

The deputy then turns to the bath and heats the water in it with a heating talisman. When Jungwon steps into the bath, he gives a bodily sigh of relief at having his sore muscles soak in warm water. The room is now dimly lit with a few candles and Chan lights them all with a spell. Seungkwan crouches down beside Jungwon and rolls his sleeves up.

Embarrassed, Jungwon tries to drown himself in the bathtub, "What are you doing?" he squeals from underwater.

Seungkwan looks at him like he is stupid, "Washing you, of course. Now get up."

Jungwon yelps when he is bodily hauled up and propped against the bath. Seungkwan thoroughly washes his back and shoulder and lathers it with soap. He then washes it off and hands Jungwon the soap, "Here, wash your front."

Jungwon takes it and lathers himself with soap. Seungkwan proceeds to untie an endless pouch and opens it. He reaches inside a hand and pulls out some jasmine herbs. "My general makes us collect all sorts of flowers and herbs for emergencies. Its smell will help you relax," he explains as he rubs it on the prince's shoulders and back. He hands some to Jungwon so that he can rub it on his front too while he lathers his neck with it.

When it's done, he tells him to leave it on for some while and starts massaging his shoulders instead. The entire room smells of jasmine and the constant ministrations on his shoulders and the soft breathing of the deputies, make Jungwon melt into an absolute puddle. This scene is so familiar to him. One helps him bath, while the other dusts his room and opens his windows to let in some cool air.

He starts to miss his two companions, Seungcheol and Jeonghan.

The familiarity of this scene is so dear to him that he aches all over again. Jungwon sighs and tries to distract his thoughts away from the two generals these deputies served under. He then remembers something, "Ah!" Jungwon exclaims.

Seungkwan frets, "What? What is it? Are you hurt?"

Jungwon shakes his head, "No, I'm fine. I just remembered something."

"What is it," Chan asks from the other side of the screen.

"Earlier, I mistakenly entered the communication array set up for deputies. The Wind Master was giving away merits and they were all singing their praises."

Seungkwan rolls his eyes, "Yeah, he does that a lot."

Jungwon tilts his head back to look at Seungkwan upside down, "Do you know who the Wind Master is?"

Seungkwan shrugs and starts to work on his hair, "Who doesn't?"

Jungwon hums as the deputy skillfully massages and scratches his scalp, "They were saying how the wind master was worthy of being one of the four greatest."

Seungkwan hums, as Chan asks from the other side, "So you want to know who the four greatest are?"

Jungwon smiles abashed, "Yeah, will you tell me?"

Chan sighs, and Jungwon can hear a chair being dragged across the floor near the end of the screen. From here, he can only see the deputies back. "In heaven, there are four famous tales of ascension about the four renowned gods and goddesses."

Seungkwan remarks, "You must have heard of them, seeing as you are one of them."

"Don't interrupt while I'm talking!" Chan bristles.

Seungkwan rolls his eyes and flips a finger at Chan behind his back. "I can feel you flipping me off," Chan grumbles. "I wanted you to know," Seungkwan retorts.

Jungwon giggles at their antics.

Chan sighs and continues, "Anyways, there are four great tales in this heavenly dynasty, The Prince Who Rose from the Blaze, The Young Lord Who Planted the Spring, The General Who Brought Peace, and The Princess Who Slit Her Throat."

"The Prince Who Rose from the Blaze, refers to His Highness, The Prince of Luoyang, and The Lord Who Planted the Spring refers to the Wind Master, Choi Beomgyu, courtesy name Fēng Xuě."

"The General Who Brought Peace refers to the War God, and The Martial God of the North, brother of His Majesty, the emperor, Kim Taehyung, Jīn Tài hēng."

"The Princess Who Slit Her Throat refers to Her Majesty, Queen of Yushi, The Rain Master, Song Yuqi. Together, they make the four greatest with tales of valor, inspiration, grief, and duty. Out of these, three of them are the elemental masters of Fire, Wind, and Rain, and one is a God of War. To complement the four greatest tales, there are also four great Calamities."

"This Dynasty has only seen two of them so far, so the balance is off, but they are from the Ghost Realm, and The Underworld, also known as hell. The Ghost that Commads the Shadow, Min Yoongi, and The Frost Of Winter, Kang Taehyun. They both belong to the Ghost Realm and have their lair. They are also known as The Ghost Kings because both of them rose from the depths of the Kiln. Currently, there has been no new occupant from The Underworld. We are still short of two more members to complete the four Calamities however, we should keep the imbalance as it is."

Jungwon is already dressed by the time Chan finishes his piece of storytelling. The robe that Seungkwan procures for him is soft silk. It strangely smells of Lavender and cherries, just like Jeonghan used to. It is also quite large on him but he doesn't complain. Instead, he slips into the bed and Chan tucks him under the blankets.

"The night is cold, so sleep tight," he says. Jungwon simply nods. He is pleasantly tired from his relaxing bathing session and he is already drifting off. "We'll be here so call us if you need us."

With that, the two deputies leave to the antechamber beside his. Seungkwan takes the bed and Chan claims the futon lying by the foot of the bed. The three companions call it a night.

⊹•º·⊹

Early morning, Jungwon sneaks out of his palace like a thief. He had woken up well rested and it's a real miracle that he slept for more than four hours. Five hours of sleep seemed to do him lots of good and he had gone to check on Chan and Seungkwan. He had been surprised to see the two deputies tangled on the futon by the bed together.

He had quietly dressed and slipped out of the room and was currently running away from heaven. Well, seeing as he was on unofficial house arrest the term doesn't sound too far-fetched. Jungwon is not happy with the decision from yesterday's court. This matter is too serious for him to overlook. He cannot sit still knowing that there was demonic sorcery running amok in the mortal realm.

He has not even rounded the corner to the gateway of heaven when he sees Seungkwan and Chan waiting for him by the gate. When he reaches them, he does not get to say a single word before Seungkwan beats him to it.

"We figured you'd be sneaking out, so we pretended to be asleep and came out the window while you were getting dressed."

Jungwon rubs the back of his neck guiltily.

Chan sighs, "No need to be embarrassed. We knew you were unsettled by what happened yesterday and need to make sure that everything is alright for your peace of mind."

Seungkwan hums, "We don't mind, as long as you take us along, of course."

So Jungwon has no choice but to give in. They descend from heaven together and just as Jungwon's non-existent luck would have it, they land in the middle of an active battlefield. Jungwon is disoriented, there are blobs of black, red, green, and blue, and he does not know who is fighting who. The clashes of swords only make him dizzier. Chan and Seungkwan immediately get their bearing and surround him.

Pale grey eyes flicker open, across the battlefield, dark golden brown eyes, squint back. The wheels of fate start spinning, and strings of red intertwine, as grey and gold clash, the sea meets the horizon, the cloud crashes against the mountains, and the threads of destiny start to weave themselves. Amongst the sea of black and white, History repeats itself.

⊹•º·⊹

Chapter Text

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening to all of you,

This is your author, Liyana. I am here to announce my inevitable Hiatus for about two to three months. My health has deteriorated seriously in the past month and my exams are rapidly approaching. I have decided to tackle these problems one at a time and figured out that I couldn't give much time to my books at the time. So, I will be gone for a while. I'll drop by to say Hi once in a while so that you don't forget me or my work. 

To my new readers, I am truly sorry that we are meeting like this for the first time. But rest assured that I will be writing even when I won't be updating.

To all my readers who have been desperately waiting for an update on their favorite books for a month or more, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. There is a risk of me being hospitalized for my anemia and irregular menstrual cycles.

I am truly sorry for parting so suddenly but all of my works are still considered to be in progress. I will schedule all my updates for the next year and I promise to meet you all healthier with a good result for my boards.

I wish you all a good day or night.

Thank You,
Liyana⋇